Looking for a decent road bicycle. Need to work off the winter fat as some of my jeans are getting snug. So, in lieu of cutting back on beer (sweet mana from the noodley one), I need to up my cardio. I got a pesky ankle so running is out of the question.

Carbon fork is a must. I bought my first bike last year, a Trek 1.2 and I love it. I love running, but a bike gives you speed and you can cover some crazy distance. Just FYI, you really won't find many worth buying ~$850 or so. Some brands to look at: Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Felt. Also, make sure to invest in a good set of shorts; they're priceless if you want to save your azz/nuts.

edit: I'm not sure how the terrain is where you live, but if you'll be hitting a lot of incline changes, then you might want a 3-set up front (a set of 3 gears on the front set). I have a 2-set and I wish I had gone with 3 because the gap between the two is too big for my liking. The upside of a 2-set is there are less parts that could screw up.

auto180sx

03-18-2011 09:18 AM

I picked up a Jamis Ventura Comp a couple years back and have put a TON of miles on it since then. Its been a great starter bike and everything has held up well on it. I picked it up from a local LBS on close out for just under 800 if I remember right... You might be able to still find some of last years models on sale, but it will be slim pickings... Go with the LBS that makes you feel comfortable working with, because in the long run you will be saving more money and learning a lot.

Get GOOD shorts...

punchesdfw

03-18-2011 09:29 AM

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Everything is relative. I've been in the bicycle industry, off and on, since the early 80's. I ride a 2011 Specialized Roubaix Pro SL3 w/ Sram Red components. It's a wonderful, comfortable, light bike. But, it's not cheap.

In my opinion, the best bang for your buck Carbon Bike is the 2011 Specialized Roubaix Elite SL2 Compact w/ Sram Apex components. Unless you live in the mountains, you don't need a triple crankset and you have virtually the same range with a compact drive setup. However, the bike is available either way.

MSRP is $2100, but we sell them for $1849 at our shop. It comes in 2-colors, but I prefer black. Whatever you buy, make sure that it is the correct frame size and that the bike is professionally fitted to you. Good luck!

:rofl: Perhaps, should I become a cycling enthusiast I'll consider that kind of price range. I'm going to shoot for around $500 for now.

punchesdfw

03-18-2011 09:51 AM

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a $500 Road Bike. You'll definitely be looking at used. The least expensive new bike that I can think of is a Trek 1.1. The MSRP is $730 and we sell them for $650 or so.

pretty sure you can find lots of entry level road bikes for around $500...

I always cringe when I see people throwing out recommendations for ~2k bikes to new riders.....not bad if you have deep pockets (and don't mind plopping down cash for a new hobby, which you may or may not abandon in 6 months)...... but I hate the fact that this is presented to beginners as their "best option", or when they are given the impression, that anything below that pricepoint is garbage (not true)

Your best bet if you really want to take a comprehensive approach to researching this (and why not, if you're gonna spend your hard-earned monies)

1) go to www.roadbikereview.com and navigate to the "Beginner's Forum" (you wouldn't research BMWs on a bicycle forum right? so why the reverse?)

2) spend a couple of hours reading, there's a wealth of information already out there, mostly asked by new riders like you

3) then armed with that info, hit your local stores and start trying out bikes

There are TONs of bike manufacturers and models

xavi330i

03-18-2011 12:30 PM

I bought a hybrid 3yrs ago. I love it. It is not restricted to just road use. You can do some light off-roading with it. I'm also able to keep up with some roadies, but of course they have the advantage. They are great to condition yourself for a road bike and alot easier on the wallet. I have a Scott P5.

Jon D

03-18-2011 02:11 PM

I started out on a hybrid and was very happy for about 3 yrs. Just went and got a road bike after deciding I wanted to go further and faster. Ended up with a Cannondale that was a closeout but it was the right bike for me. Very happy with the choice but it is a carbon framed road bike so was over $500.

Chris3Duke

03-18-2011 02:55 PM

I say skip the hybrid. You're going to want to upgrade anyway. Buy a used bike in good condition. People are constantly upgrading their bikes, and selling their old ones. Get an aluminum frame with a carbon fork, seatstay, etc., and Shimano 105 components. My Trek 1500 was like $900 new, and rides great. I bet you could get a great deal on a used one.

cowmoo32

03-18-2011 03:12 PM

Yeah don't get a hybrid if you're getting a bike for exercise. I almost did ad I'm so happy that I went with a full road bike. You DO NOT want to be sitting upright for a 15 mile ride

330CK

03-18-2011 03:37 PM

Go to a LBS and be fitted. In your price range, the most important thing is getting a bike with the proper fit and geometry. The components and quality will all be about the same.